About us
Who we are

We are an local community organisation who aim to promote physical and mental well-being through mind and body co-ordination.

More on who we are

What we practice

We teach and study universal principles for life through Japanese yoga, meditation martial arts and healing practices.

More on what we practice

Instructors

Meet our team of qualified and vetted instructors, who together have over 60 years of combined experience in the arts we practice.

More on our instructors

Who we are

Diverse

We are a diverse group of individuals. Members of the Brighton Ki Society are students, professionals, retirees, full-time parents and people between jobs. What unites us is an interest in personal development, and making positive contributions to our various communities.

Inclusive

We welcome all ages and abilities. The Brighton Ki Society aims to provide an inclusive and supportive environment in which everyone is welcome to explore the arts we practice. Should you choose to visit our dojo, we hope you find a safe and friendly space that helps you grow and develop.

Local

We have been part of the local community for over 25 years. Our dojo has been established in Brighton for more than a quarter of a century, supporting residents and visitors alike on their journeys of self-discovery and self-development.

Not for profit

We operate on a non-profit basis. All our instructors volunteer their time, and your class fees go towards maintaining the space we use to practice. The Brighton Ki Society is a registered charity (Charity no. 1042432) and you can find us on the Charity Commission register.

caret-down caret-up caret-left caret-right

A very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where instructors and more experienced students are generous with their time and attention to further everyone's own personal development.

Luke Murray

My boys have thoroughly enjoyed their classes here, benefiting from the friendly discipline and training, gaining in self confidence all the way.

Flo Scott

I have only ever met really nice people here and after coming round two or three times it soon feels like joining a family where everybody helps each other develop.

Florian Breit

What we practice

Mindfulness

Being mindful means living in the moment: connecting to your external surroundings, as well as your internal sensations, feelings, emotions. Mindfulness allows us to see the present moment clearly. When we are mindful, we can think and act freely.

We often face difficulties and obstacles in our lives. Many of us have thoughts that we find difficult to let go of. Are we just caught in a repetitive, negative way of thinking or are we channelling our thoughts constructively? By practicing mindfulness, we can positively change the way we think about ourselves and our lives.

For example, by being mindful and aware we can recognise early signs of stress, anxiety or depression, and take corrective action. With regular practice, mindfulness may help strengthen mental health.

Meditation

Breathing

Posture

Stretching

Instructors

All our instructors have a DBS Certificate (previously known as a CRB check).
Qualifications are awarded through Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Kai / Ki no Kenkyūkai in Japan.

Bob MacFarland

Chief Instructor

  • Rokudan (6th Dan)
  • Joden
  • Lecturer and Associate Examiner

Petr Mengler

Assistant Instructor

  • Nidan (2nd Dan)
  • Jokyu
  • Assistant Lecturer

Leadership

Koichi Tohei
Founder
1920 – 2011

koichi_tohei

Master Koichi Tohei was the founder of the Ki Society. He developed Ki training, Kiatsu® and Shin Shin Tōitsu Aikido over a lifetime devoted to personal development.

Beginning with Hawaii in 1953, he traveled the world to teach Ki Principles and Mind & Body Coordination.

His extraordinary performance of Shin Shin Tōitsu Aikido arts and his masterful teaching inspired students for over 60 years.

Shinichi Tohei
President
b. 1973

shinichi-tohei

Shinichi Tohei is the President and Chief Instructor of the Ki Society. He is a dedicated, life-long student of his father, Ki Society founder Koichi Tohei.

He presides at Ki Society HQ in Japan, in charge of teaching, training and the organization in Japan and internationally.

Under his dynamic leadership, the Ki Society has grown dramatically. In addition to over 400 dojos in Japan, there are Ki Society branches in 24 countries.

Robert MacFarland
UK Chief Instructor
b. 1955

rob-macfarland

Robert MacFarland, Chief Instructor of the Brighton Ki Society, began his study of aikido in 1967.

In 1977 he started teaching traditional aikido in Brighton. In 1980 he joined the Ki Society in San Francisco, returning to Brighton to teach Ki principles.

He is currently Rokyudan (6th Dan) in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido and Joden in Ki grade. He has full Ki Lecturer and associate examiner status from the Ki Society HQ in Japan.

Find out more